If you thought the Porsche Cayman S was a special sports coupé and that the new GTS model - with 340hp and some of the best options from the equipment list added - even better, we've got some fabulous news for you: the German company has confirmed it is making a Cayman GT4. It's a successor to the old 987-based Cayman R of 2011, which was bloody amazing, so it's pretty much a given the GT4 will be too.
Exterior
The obvious thing to note is the fixed rear wing, again evocative of the 987 R, but Porsche says this is the first Cayman yet to have proper downforce at both axles - an aerodynamic package helps achieve this. This package is 'systematically designed' for downforce, which includes those three distinctive intakes in the front bumper. Although clearly a very focused car as standard, track day drivers can tailor it even more with options including PCCB ceramic brakes and what Porsche refers to as a Club Sport Package. No details on precisely what this incorporates as yet, but if it's anything like the treatment doled out to the 968 in 1993, it should mean stripped out for weight reduction... possibly bestowing a Cayman GT4 CS with guaranteed future classic status into the bargain.
Interior
Bespoke leather and Alcantara sports seats are to be found in the Cayman GT4, as is a steering wheel specific to this model; it's said to be smaller in diameter for greater feedback. Also on offer are optional carbon-fibre shell seats and a custom Sport Chrono Package with a unique Track Precision app.
Mechanicals
Whereas the Cayman GTS makes do with an uprated version of the S model's 3.4-litre flat-six, the GT4 gets a 3.8-litre flat-six engine derived from the 911 Carrera S's powerplant. Indeed, Porsche makes a big play throughout the GT4's bumf about the vast majority of the car's componentry coming from the 911 GT3, with a 30mm lower ride height also thrown into the mix. So, with 385hp and a six-speed manual transmission with dynamic gearbox mounts, you're looking at 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds (shaving a full half a second off the GTS Cayman's time) and a top speed of 295km/h. Porsche quotes fuel consumption of 10.3 litres/100km (27.4mpg) and CO2 emissions of 238g/km. But forget about those numbers and concentrate on this: the Cayman GT4 can lap the Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 40 seconds. That's just 16 seconds down on the 997-era 911 GT2 RS... a 620hp, twin-turbocharged monster. Wow.
Anything else?
The Cayman GT4 will have its world premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show - where else? No word on which markets will get it but in its German homeland, it can be ordered now with cars arriving at dealers at the end of March. Bring it here soon, please, Porsche.